StCatherineVCValley City  (CSi)  St. Catherine School will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary in the  2016-17 school year.

A kick-off celebration will be held September 9-11, 2016. The weekend starts with an open house at the school September 9 from 5-7. The school will be open for tours. A committee has been gathering memorabilia for display of memories from over the years at St. Catherine School.

The St. Catherine Alumni and Friends Golf Scramble at Bjornson Golf Course has been postponed until June of 2017.

The kick-off weekend will conclude with a community concert on Sunday, September 11, featuring Tony Melendez at the Hi-Liner Activity Center. Melendez is an inspirational Catholic musician who plays guitar with his feet. Tony was born without arms because his mother was given thalidomide for morning sickness. Tony came to the world scene when he performed for St. John Paul II in Los Angeles in 1987. Pope John Paul II jumped off a four foot stage and greeted Tony with a kiss. Pope John Paul said to Tony that day, “My wish to you, is to continue giving this hope to all the people.”

Since then Tony and his brother Jose have traveled around the United States and to over 40 countries sharing his gifts with people of all ages. He most recently recorded his new song “Honor Your Father and Mother” for the Decalogue project in Poland.

The celebration concert in Valley City begins at 4 pm in the Hi Liner Activity Center on Sunday, September 11th. The concert is sponsored by Dacotah Bank. Doors will open at 3 pm. Tickets for the concert are $5 for kindergarten and up. Tickets for preschool students are free, but preschoolers must have a ticket. Tickets are available at Dacotah Bank, Nearly Nu, St. Catherine School office and at the door.

For additional information about any of the events contact the St. Catherine School office at (701) 845-1453

The school opened its door in January 1917. The Franciscan Sisters of Rochester, MN, taught at the school for the first two years. In the summer of 1918, the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation took charge of the school.

In 1930, St. Catherine began adding high school classes and had its first high school graduating class in 1934. The final graduating class came in 1969. Since 1988 St. Catherine has been a K-6 elementary school.

Events have been planned throughout the upcoming year to celebrate this century of Catholic education.